The Portsmouth Market was filled with colour and music on Saturday October 20th, 2018 as vendors and patrons dressed in variations of the national wear for the observance of Market Day with a Difference.

Mayor of the northern town His Worship Titus Francis used the occasion to appeal to nationals to play a more significant role in Dominica’s development. He encouraged them to use Saturday’s observance to begin that journey.

Parliamentary Representative for the Portsmouth constituency Hon. Ian Douglas described the observance of Market Day with a Difference this year as very important especially on the heels of Hurricane Maria which wrought destruction to the island in 2017. “It is in fact a miracle to see that we can be at the market today, Market Day with a Difference, with such vibrant displays of our fresh produce. And so, I think this Market Day with a Difference 2018, is very, very significant for us bearing in mind what we suffered just a year ago.”

Hon. Douglas reminded farmers and vendors that they should not underestimate the importance of the fresh produce market to the island’s revenue. “The rest of the region especially the countries north of Dominica depend on us so much for a lot of their food supply, from our food production so we must see that aspect of food production so when we come here to celebrate Market Day those aspects of food production must also be front and centre in our minds.”

Minister for Agriculture and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Reginald Austrie commended the farmers for their hard work in restoring agriculture in the months following the ravages of Hurricane Maria last year. “We want to pledge to you our full support, to congratulate you on the tremendous job that you have done in one year to put fresh fruits and vegetables on our tables.”